Network

What we’re about, in the end, is changing the face of our economic future by creating a more diverse economy where jobs and prosperity are available for all. A critical “how,” in terms of getting there, is building a network of support that gets entrepreneurs and small businesses what they need, when they need it. Here are just some of the services organizations doing that important work across the region. Very often these groups are working in collaboration to best serve the individuals and companies that are transforming the region’s economy. For a city of Detroit specific example of the Network visit the NEI-funded Bizgrid.

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Accounting Aid Society

American Middle East Economic Affairs Committee

The vision of AMEEAC is to be the premier forum for facilitating economic growth, trade and investment between the U.S. and the Arab World.

AMEAC will achieve this vision by focusing on its mission to educate public and private sector leaders on the strategic potential of a prosperous U.S.-Middle East relationship that will act to further and facilitate actionable opportunities for economic growth, trade and investment between the U.S. and the Middle East.

Ann Arbor SPARK Foundation

SPARK is Ann Arbor’s engine for economic development. We are an organization dedicated to the economic prosperity of the greater Ann Arbor region. We use our skills and knowledge to attract, develop, strengthen, and invest in driving industries to help our region thrive.

Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services

ACCESS strives to enable and empower individuals, families and communities to lead informed, productive and culturally sensitive lives. As a nonprofit model of excellence, we honor our Arab American heritage through community-building and service to those in need, of every heritage. ACCESS is a strong advocate for cultural and social entrepreneurship imbued with the values of community service, healthy lifestyles, education and philanthropy.

2651 Saulino Court
Dearborn, MI 48120
(313) 842-7010

AutoHarvest Foundation

Driven by industry leadership, AutoHarvest will revolutionize how the advanced manufacturing sector (automotive industry) deploys its IP and underutilized assets, seeks new technologies and research collaborations, and represents a fundamental change in R&D culture in the automotive sector. To date, AutoHarvest has secured support from over 70 global leaders representing the entire automotive industry ecosystem, such as top automotive OEMs, suppliers, industry associations, venture capitalists, universities, research institutions, business incubators, entrepreneurs and national labs.

440 Burroughs St.
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 285-8569

Automation Alley Fund

Automation Alley exists to grow the innovation cluster of Southeast Michigan. We believe in a bright technology future for our state that is innovation-led and driven by exporting. We create business development opportunities and results for our members and stakeholders who share our values. By helping our members achieve success, Automation Alley increases the quality of life in Michigan.

Bizdom U

Bizdom is an entrepreneurship accelerator where we provide comprehensive, real-world training, mentorship, and support for entrepreneurs who have a burning passion and determination to build a growth-oriented, Detroit-based or Cleveland-based business.

Brookings Institution

The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to conduct high-quality, independent research and, based on that research, to provide innovative, practical recommendations that advance three broad goals:

Strengthen American democracy;

Foster the economic and social welfare, security and opportunity of all Americans; and

Secure a more open, safe, prosperous and cooperative international system.

Brookings is proud to be consistently ranked as the most influential, most quoted and most trusted think tank.

1775 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 797-6000

Business Leaders for Michigan

The state’s business roundtable, dedicated to making MI a “Top Ten” state for jobs, personal income and a healthy economy. Composed exclusively of the chairpersons, chief executive officers, or most senior executives of Michigan’s largest companies and universities, our members drive over 25% of the state’s economy, provide over 325,000 direct and 820,000 indirect jobs in Michigan, generate over $1 Trillion in annual revenue and serve nearly one half of all Michigan public university students.

What’s more, we keep our focus on the cutting edge by continually researching and benchmarking new data and strategies that can help advance Michigan’s economy.

BLM is a private, nonprofit organization. We communicate our agenda through a variety of ways including two political action committees.

Central Detroit Christian CDC

City Connect Detroit

To help metropolitan Detroit nonprofits and governments obtain increased national funding and to facilitate collaboration among nonprofits, governments, businesses, grant makers, and others. City Connect Detroit believes that when we act together, there is no challenge too great, no goal too lofty, no future beyond imagining.

College for Creative Studies

The College for Creative Studies nurtures the creativity that is vital to the enrichment of modern culture. The College educates visual artists and designers, knowledgeable in varied fields, who will be leaders in creative professions that shape society and advance economic growth. The College fosters students’ resolve to pursue excellence, act ethically, embrace their responsibilities as citizens of diverse local and global communities, and learn throughout their lives. The College engages in community service by offering opportunities for artistic development and opening career pathways to talented individuals of all ages.

Council of Michigan Foundations

A community of more than 350 diverse grantmaking organizations, we strengthen Michigan by finding and testing innovative solutions, sharing knowledge, convening business, government and nonprofit leaders, and investing in the state’s nonprofit sector. The mission statement of the Council of Michigan is to strengthen, promote and increase philanthropy in Michigan.

Detroit Development Fund

Detroit Development Fund is a non-profit (501(c)(3)) organization and a certified community development financial institution, incorporated in the state of Michigan. Detroit Development Fund was created in 1998 with an initial mission of helping revitalize an economically distressed target area in Detroit’s far East side neighborhoods. It now operates throughout the City of Detroit. Detroit Development Fund provides loans and technical assistance to small business owners, developers, building owners, contractors, and subcontractors who cannot get all of the capital they need from traditional financing sources. It delivers its products and services with the goals of revitalizing businesses and neighborhoods in Detroit, Michigan, creating economic equity, and promoting a healthy environment. The organization’s stated mission is “ To improve the quality of life in underserved Detroit neighborhoods and for Detroit residents.”

277 Gratiot Ave.
Third Floor
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 784-9547

Detroit Economic Growth Association

DEGC has been designed to make business success in Detroit possible. Many companies know exactly what they’re doing, but need help deciding where to do it and how to get there. That’s where we excel. We know Detroit well, we know the city’s government, and we’re aware of the countless opportunities the city has to offer. We’ve been designed to share all that business knowledge with companies and organizations like yours, and to maximize its value right here in Detroit.

And we’re more than business.

Good quality of life is important to your employees. The DEGC team consists of long-time members of the Detroit community who can inform you about school systems, personal safety, entertainment, culture, dining, traffic patterns…all the things that make investing in Detroit a full, rich experience.

We’re all about Detroit.

500 Griswold St.
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 963-2940

Detroit Midtown Micro-Enterprise Fund Corporation

The Detroit Micro-enterprise Fund provides micro-loans to underserved new and established small businesses in Detroit, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Pontiac, Ecorse, River Rouge and Lincoln Park that do not have access to traditional commercial bank financing. The funds focuses on companies that provide services and improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods

Downtown Detroit Partnership

Downtown Detroit Partnership is a partnership of corporate, civic and philanthropic leaders that supports advocates and develops programs and initiatives designed to create a clean, safe, and inviting Downtown Detroit.

Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

Our vision is to foster a society of economically independent individuals who are engaged citizens in their communities.

In service of this vision, we focus our grant making and operations on two areas — education and entrepreneurship — which our founder, Ewing Kauffman, saw as two ends of a continuum.

A quality education is the foundation for self-sufficiency, preparing young people for success in college and in life. Many young adults will work in businesses started by entrepreneurs. Some will become entrepreneurs themselves, providing jobs and wealth for society.

4801 Rockhill Road
Kansas City, Missouri 64110
(816) 932-1000

Henry Ford Health Systems

Henry Ford Health System is one of the nation’s leading health care providers, offering a seamless array of acute, primary, tertiary, quaternary and preventive care backed by excellence in research and education.

Mission: To improve people’s lives through excellence in the science and art of health care and healing.

Vision: Transforming lives through health and wellness, one person at a time.

2799 W Grand Blvd
Detroit, MI
(313) 916-9100

One Ford Place
Detroit, MI
(800) 436-7936

2799 W Grand Boulevard
Detroit, MI
(313) 916-3344

Inforum Center for Leadership

Inforum Center for Leadership was established in 2002 as the education and research arm of Inforum. It is a 501 c(3) organization with its own board of directors separate from Inforum. The formation of Inforum Center for Leadership (ICL) turbocharged Inforum’s mission to help women lead and succeed, giving the organization a real discipline and substance to developing women as leaders – not just supporting them.

Vision Statement: The premier resource for empowering women to lead and succeed professionally.

Mission Statement: Connect women through a network of thought leaders and best-in-class training and programming to help them optimize their personal and professional potential and achieve success.

3663 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 578-3230

Invest Detroit Foundation

IDF promotes a higher quality of life for distressed communities, primarily in the City of Detroit through attracting new industry, encouraging the development of business, housing, transportation and other community resources. IDF provides loans and financial assistance to promote community development and combat community deterioration and economic blight.

IDF Funds are financing resources aimed at encouraging projects where the necessary financing is not available from traditional sources. The impact of the IDF loan programs includes the creation of jobs and training to the unemployed and persons of low income, and providing quality housing for the low-income community.

Macomb Community College

As a publicly funded and community-based institution of higher education, Macomb Community College provides a comprehensive program of high-quality educational, enrichment, and economic development experiences designed to promote individual growth and social improvement.

Macomb OU INC

The Macomb-Oakland University INCubator provides entrepreneurial resources, business solutions, access to student interns and proactive support to businesses at every stage, in an effort to help start-ups on their path to success.

The goal of the INCubator is to create jobs and advance the development of businesses with obtaining necessary financing for growth, business strategy, consultation, access to appropriate rental space, shared business services, and equipment and technology support services in the areas of Defense, Homeland Security and Advanced Manufacturing.

2200 N. Squirrel Road
Rochester, Michigan
(248) 370-2100

Matching Opportunities and Resources for Entrepreneurs (MORE)

What began as an effort to help engineering students at the University of Michigan develop ideas into businesses grew into an initiative that supports entrepreneurs and business owners across the region. Through innovative programs like InsYght, The MORE Program helps ensure that entrepreneurs everywhere have access to the resources they need.

InsYght is a free service that helps you identify exactly what is available to support your business needs. No matter the stage of your idea or business, InsYght gives you access to critical resources that fit your unique profile.

500 Griswold, Suite 3400
Detroit, MI 48226

MDC Inc.

MDC, founded in 1967, is a nonprofit organization based in Durham, N.C. For more than four decades, MDC has focused on removing the barriers that separate people from education, jobs and opportunity. Its work includes: publishing research, developing policies and programs to strengthen the workforce and foster economic development; advising foundations, community colleges and other institutions; and demonstrating and incubating promising strategies to address opportunity and close gaps.

Michigan Corps

Michigan Corps’ platform engages a global ‘Corps Member’ network in cutting edge, 21st century service opportunities across our state. Through various initiatives, we engage Michigan citizens everywhere in efforts to advance a community of social innovators and entrepreneurs building a new future for MI.

Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, talent and jobs, tourism, film, and digital media incentives, arts and cultural grants, and overall economic growth. The MEDC offers a number of business assistance services and capital programs for business attraction and acceleration, entrepreneurship, strategic partnerships, talent enhancement, and urban and community development.

300 N Washington Square
Lansing, MI 48913
(888) 522-0103

Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center

Success doesn’t just happen. It takes driven, dedicated, experienced, full-time professionals – like the kind at MMTC, working together to keep Michigan manufacturing strong.

Since 1991, MMTC has assisted Michigan’s small and medium-sized businesses compete and grow. Through personalized services fitted to meet the needs of clients, we develop more effective business leaders, drive product and process innovation, promote company-wide operational excellence and foster creative strategies for business growth and greater profitability. Supported by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation as Michigan’s National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) affiliate, we bring well-tested services to our MEP clients.

Michigan State University

Michigan State University has been working to advance the common good in uncommon ways for more than 150 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU focuses its vast resources on creating solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges, while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

220 Trowbridge Rd.
East Lansing, MI 48824
(517) 355-1855

Michigan Women’s Foundation

Michigan Women’s Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization that is committed to creating positive change for Michigan’s women and girls. As a statewide foundation, MWF seeks to transform Michigan to achieve equality and empowerment for its women and girls. We do this by raising funds to support and collaborate with individuals and organizations to address and eliminate barriers to economic and social equality for Michigan women and girls. In over 25 years, we have awarded more than $3.2 million to more than 500 programs and organizations working to advance equality, remove barriers and improve lives. We value community, results, accountability and above all – equity.

Vision: Transform Michigan to Achieve Equality and Empowerment for Women and Girls

Mission:Eliminate Barriers to Economic and Social Equality for Michigan Women and Girls

Midtown Detroit Inc.

MDI’s initiatives are shaped by the collaboration of key community stakeholders and are supported by the many dedicated funders that recognize the importance of Midtown’s revitalization and its positive effect on the community. We are involved in over 30 collaborative projects and programs that address the challenges and opportunities of the greater Midtown Detroit community. Over the years, MDI has addressed and overcome barriers to growth taking on new initiatives that have significantly developed and improved the community. These changes have sparked tremendous growth and heightened visibility making the Midtown community a prime destination for visitors and residents.

National Skills Coalition

National Skills Coalition organizes broad-based coalitions seeking to raise the skills of America’s workers across a range of industries. We advocate for public policies that invest in what works, as informed by our members’ real-world expertise. And we communicate these goals to an American public seeking a vision for a strong U.S. economy that allows everyone to be part of its success.

NEIdeas

NextEnergy

NextEnergy’s mission is to accelerate energy security, economic competitiveness, and environmental responsibility through the growth of advanced energy technologies, businesses, and industries. NextEnergy was established to drive advanced energy investment and job creation in Michigan. Located in Detroit, NextEnergy serves as a catalyst for advanced energy technology demonstration and commercialization.

461 Burroughs St.
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 833-0100

Oakland University

Oakland University delivers a distinctive undergraduate education complemented by the strength of its graduate offerings and research accomplishments. Located in suburban Rochester, Michigan, Oakland is a nationally recognized public university with more than 19,000 students.

Oakland academics take undergraduates beyond the classroom as they work alongside inspired faculty and community mentors in the laboratory, field or workplace. Students enjoy small classes, countless research, cultural and social opportunities, and a high rate of job placement after graduation.

With a rich campus atmosphere complete with residence halls, Greek life, Division 1 athletics and more than 200 student organizations, Oakland offers the total college experience.

2200 N Squirrel Rd.
Rochester, MI 48309
(248) 370-2100

Society of Manufacturing Engineers

The mission of SME is to acquire and distribute manufacturing knowledge among its members and the broader manufacturing community.

SME is an essential resource for manufacturing. It is a non-profit organization with an 81-year history of accumulating, validating and sharing manufacturing knowledge. Through its integrated strategic areas — events, publishing, training and development, membership, and the SME Education Foundation — SME acts as the “solutionists” to help manufacturing stakeholders overcome their challenges with innovative, practical solutions.

Southeast Michigan Community Alliance (SEMCA)

Southeast Michigan Community Alliance (SEMCA) is a leader in talent development programs and substance use disorder treatment and prevention services. SEMCA partners with various community organizations and contractors to service residents in Wayne and Monroe counties, excluding the city of Detroit.

SEMCA is committed to its vision for a competitive economy that is sustained by private and public partnerships that develop a productive workforce.

As a result of our dedication to the residents of southeast Michigan, SEMCA is accredited by the Council on Accreditation, the first nonprofit organization in the country to receive such an accreditation from the Council under its newest network standards.

Southwest Solutions

Our goal is to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals and families, while making southwest Detroit a place where people choose to live because of its vitality and diversity.

Southwest Solutions is nationally recognized as a model of community building. We are a leading provider of both human services and affordable housing and economic development. Our programs are wide-ranging and work in concert to create a full system of support that promotes recovery and improves quality of life. We serve people of all ages and backgrounds. And, when we cannot accomplish a project or program on our own, we collaborate with other agencies to address identified needs and build effective partnerships. We help those who were at the margins of society turn the page and write new chapters of resilience and purpose.

1920 25th St.
Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 841-3727

University of Michigan

The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.

500 S State St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
(734) 764-1817

Upwardly Global

Today there are more than 1.8 million immigrants in the U.S. who are college-educated but are unemployed or significantly underemployed. In their home countries they were engineers, doctors, scientists, accountants, and nonprofit professionals. In the U.S. they become cashiers, nannies, and cab drivers, if employed at all.

To solve this problem Upwardly Global creates employer partnerships that benefit from access to this talent pool. We also provide customized training and support for these new Americans to give them an equal opportunity to find and secure skill appropriate opportunities and achieve their full economic potential in the U.S. The outcome is global talent for employers, culturally competent service providers for diverse communities, and family sustaining incomes for those who were previously unemployed or underemployed.

Mission: To eliminate employment barriers for skilled immigrants and refugees and integrate this population into the professional U.S. workforce.

Vision: A United States where skilled new Americans are a recognized and valued source of talent.

Venture for America

Venture for America will recruit the best and brightest college grads to work for two years at emerging start-ups and early-stage companies in lower-cost cities (e.g., Detroit, Providence, New Orleans). Modeled after Teach for America, Venture for America will provide a path for entrepreneurship to college grads who want to learn how to build companies and create jobs.

Walsh College

At Walsh College, we blend business theory and real-world experience to deliver educational programs that boost career success. Our faculty are not only dedicated teachers, but also business professionals who integrate their experience into what you learn in class. Administrative staff deliver personal service in a professional learning environment.

Wayne State University

As a nationally recognized urban public research university, Wayne State’s mission is to create knowledge and prepare a diverse body of students to excel in an increasingly complex and global society.

Wayne State University has pledged to:

Promote an exceptional learning experience.

Improve the university’s stature as a nationally-ranked research institution.

Nurture a strong and dynamic campus community.

Sustain our role as an engaged university in an urban environment.

Diversify and broaden the university’s funding base.

Wayne State intends to remain one of the nation’s most respected public research universities, and feels that these goals provide a way to make that happen. National recognition is not an end in itself; what matters most is how Wayne State’s progress as shaped by these goals will position the university to benefit its students and, ultimately, its city, state, nation and the world.

42. W. Warren Ave.
Detroit, MI 48202
313-577-2424

WSU TechTown

We are Detroit’s business growth center. We help create and grow companies. We incubate and accelerate technology and innovation. We are engines of economic growth and catalysts of urban revitalization. We are TechTown Detroit.